President’s Service Blog: Testing the I-CANE for the Visually Impaired, the Netherlands

Helping those with visual impairments live richer lives is a cause our clubs have championed for decades. More than 90 years ago, the white cane was invented as a way for the public to recognize the legally blind. In 1930, Lion George A. Bonham introduced it in the United States.

When I visited the Netherlands, I had a chance to test one of the 20 prototypes of a white cane innovation that’s sure to improve lives. Developed with the assistance of a Lions Clubs International Foundation grant, the I-CANE combines GPS and surface-scanning sensors to bring the white cane into the modern era. I was impressed that it alerted me to upcoming obstacles, but still had the identifying look of a white cane.

I believe that Lions will play an important role in bringing this critical piece of technology to the blind and visually impaired. This innovation will help people with visual impairments experience greater mobility and independence.

It’s a great innovation knowing that it could help those people who have visual impairment. Bringing life back to sight. A very nice words to hear for those who are aiming to bring their vision normally .

http://Lions Angela Johnson

Technology is growing faster than we can keep up. As an Orientation and Mobilist Specialist, I look forward to seeing this new device. Anything that can lead to independence and allows someone who is blind or visually impaired to travel safely is a good thing.

Yvonne Kantola

I look forward to hearing more about the i-I-CANE in the future and it’s progression to its availability to all who would benefit from it.

Rakesh Singh Mitter

This is a revolutinary innovation which will bring much needed relief to our visually challanged brothers and sisters. We will look forward to the date when this GPS-equipped White Cane is commercially made available in my country, India, where largest numbers of blind people live.

wingkuntam

We are all looking forward to bringing this invention to the people who need it most.